Kelly Thomas case has brought big changes

Criminal charges: Two Fullerton police officers have been ordered to stand trial on criminal charges in connection with Thomas' death. One of them, Officer Manuel Ramos, center, is the first officer in Orange County to face murder charges for actions that occurred while on duty and in uniform. The other, Cpl. Jay Cicinelli, left, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter. MARK RIGHTMIRE; REPORTING BY LOU PONSI AND DOUG IRVING, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Criminal charges: Two Fullerton police officers have been ordered to stand trial on criminal charges in connection with Thomas' death. One of them, Officer Manuel Ramos, center, is the first officer in Orange County to face murder charges for actions that occurred while on duty and in uniform. The other, Cpl. Jay Cicinelli, left, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter. MARK RIGHTMIRE; REPORTING BY LOU PONSI AND DOUG IRVING, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Recalled: Councilmen Don Bankhead, F. Richard Jones and Pat McKinley – critics say the trio demonstrated a lack of leadership in the aftermath of Thomas' death – were voted out of office this year. Their newly elected replacements will take their oaths of office on Monday: Travis Kiger, Doug Chaffee and Greg Sebourn. ROSE PALMISANO, REPORTING BY LOU PONSI, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Changes at the top: Fullerton police Chief Michael Sellers took a medical leave the month after Thomas died and officially retired in February. Cpt. Kevin Hamilton briefly stepped in when Sellers went on leave, and Cpt. Dan Hughes, pictured, took over as acting chief in January. JOSHUA SUDOCK, REPORTING BY LOU PONSI, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
The Fullerton six: At least two of the six officers involved in the violent confrontation with Thomas have been handed their termination papers. The others remain on paid leave. JOSHUA SUDOCK; REPORTING BY LOU PONSI, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Promises of transparency: The incoming council members have promised a new commitment to government transparency. The Police Department has also posted its policy manual on the city website. H. LORREN AU JR; REPORTING BY LOU PONSI AND DOUG IRVING, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Homelessness and mental illness: Recommendations from an ad hoc committee appointed by the City Council include providing a year-round shelter, outreach clinicians and affordable housing to low- and very-low income residents. The 14-member Fullerton Task Force on Homelessness and Mental Health met 13 times over eight months before giving the recommendations. REPORTING BY LOU PONSI AND DOUG IRVING
Laura's Law: County supervisors have looked into enacting the law in Orange County, which would make it easier to get court-ordered treatment of the mentally ill. Questions remain, however, about how the provisions of the law would be funded. Pictured is Laura Wilcox, for whom the law was named. Wilcox, of Penn Valley, was killed by a mental patient on Jan. 10, 2001. REPORTING BY LOU PONSI, AP
Police scrutiny: Anaheim announced a review of several officer-involved shootings and other past “major police incidents” by an outside investigator. The review came after mounting protests, inspired at least in part by similar protests over the death of Kelly Thomas. ARMANDO BROWN; REPORTING BY LOU PONSI AND DOUG IRVING, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.